[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. LEWIS A. OPLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2018

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Lewis A. 
Opler, a doctor who dedicated his life to the care of others. He passed 
away Thursday, April 12th at the age of 69 in New York City.
  Dr. Opler was born in 1948 in Los Angeles but spent the majority of 
his childhood in New York. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard 
University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemical Sciences. He 
went on to receive a Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1975 as well as a Medical 
Degree in 1976 from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva 
University.
  For 20 years, Dr. Opler served at the New York State Office of Mental 
Health where he'd go on to become the director of the research division 
and chief medical officer. Dr. Opler served on the faculties of 
Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York 
University School of Medicine and Long Island University.
  Dr. Opler's dedication to his work and helping those with mental 
illness made him one of the most distinguished professionals in his 
field. He helped to develop the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, 
which became the gold standard measure of symptoms in patients with 
schizophrenia. He spent his career treating and researching post-
traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other brain disorders. His 
work revolutionized the field and went on to be used in countless 
research studies and resulted in hundreds of research papers, books, 
and presentations.
  Dr. Opler was also an active member of NAIM-NYS, New York States 
National Alliance on Mental Illness. His actions there went well beyond 
that of the average doctor. He devoted countless hours to consoling 
individuals living with mental illness as well as their family and 
friends. He wrote a column for NAIM-NYS newsletter and for 30 years was 
an active participant in their fall educational conference.
  Among other titles, Dr. Opler was an accomplished writer and 
musician, he co-wrote the books ``Resurrection and Redemption: 
Overcoming Mental Illness and Regaining Dignity,'' with Harryet Ehrlich 
and ``Prozac and Other Psychiatric Drugs'' with Carol Bialkowski. 
Additionally, Dr. Opler worked as the medical editor for the book the 
``Complete Pill Guide.''
  During the Vietnam War, Dr. Opler was an outspoken member of the 
anti-war movement and performed many classic protest songs as well as 
his own songs during rallies. He was a classically trained violinist 
and knew how to play the harmonica, banjo, guitar and mandolin. Dr. 
Opler was a lifelong defender of labor rights, once leading a walk out 
for the rights of hospital residents.
  Dr. Opler's dedication and spirited empathy has left behind a legacy 
of generosity, kindness and loyalty. His memory will live on in his 
family, colleagues, peers and community. He was an honorable man who 
made this world a better place. I offer my sincerest condolences to his 
wife, Annette; his sister, Ruth; his children, Mark, Daniel, Michelle 
and Douglas; their spouses Stacy, Yamuna, Paul and Angela and his seven 
grandsons.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Dr. Lewis A. Opler's 
colleagues, family and friends, all those whose lives he has touched, 
in recognizing Dr. Lewis A. Opler's remarkable life of service.

                          ____________________